International Bank Guarantees
We guarantee your payments
What is a Bank Guarantee?
A Bank Guarantee is a formal commitment by BAI Europa — issued at your request — to ensure third-party payment in the event of non-compliance with credit obligations.
When counter-guarantees are acceptable, we also offer advisory services and re-issuance options.
How can Bank Guarantees be issued?
In the first instance, a Bank Guarantee can be issued on official letterhead — duly notarised — where the originator delivers the Guarantee directly to the beneficiary.
Alternatively, a SWIFT counter-guarantee can be issued, whereby BAIE, as the local bank, instructs a foreign correspondent bank to issue a guarantee on behalf of the client and in favour of a foreign beneficiary, under its full responsibility.
In the case of an On First Demand guarantee, the bank is obliged to pay upon the first request, without the right to verify non-compliance or contest the payment, unless bad faith is demonstrably proven.
Bank Guarantee and Letter of Credit - What's the difference?
Both Bank Guarantees and Letters of Credit provide security and trust in international transactions.
However, Bank Guarantees are typically used in real estate and infrastructure projects to protect against credit risk and reduce potential losses if the transaction fails.
On the other hand, Letters of Credit are commonly used in international trade to facilitate transactions, offering a financial institution’s guarantee that the client’s payment obligations will be fulfilled — minimising the risk of buyer default.
Why choose BAI Europa?
BAI Europa has been operating in Portugal for over 25 years. We are a financial institution governed by Portuguese law and regulated by the Bank of Portugal under European Union legislation.
We are part of the Banco Angolano de Investimentos Group, a leading financial institution in Angola
For over 25 years, our activity has supported Portuguese companies and those from other European countries in their export and investment activities in Angola and other Lusophone African countries.
Our mission is to be a key partner for clients with specific financial needs, offering a personalised service.